Benson has been instrumental in some decisions that haven't gotten much national attentionGETTY MAGES
Saints and Pelicans Owner Gayle Benson so far has "shown a steady hand at the controls of the business empire" that her husband, the late Tom Benson, "spent a lifetime developing," according to Ramon Antonio Vargas of the New Orleans ADVOCATE. Currently, Pelicans-related decisions are "likely more pressing" than those of the Saints. Dennis Lauscha, President of both franchises, said that a "plan is being drafted with an eye to making the Pelicans as competitive as the Saints have been." That is what Gayle Benson wants, "despite persistent rumors in the national media that it is only a matter of time before she sells the NBA club, setting the stage for a relocation." Lauscha: "She’s not selling. She’s not moving. This basketball team is going to be in this market for as long as she owns these teams, and her goal is to make these teams prosper." Vargas noted Benson has "left her fingerprints on other key decisions." She "didn’t want to stand by as the female members of NFL dance teams complained of demeaning treatment," so she "asked for changes on the Saintsations." The bare midriffs and bikini tops of the past were "replaced with one-piece uniforms," and the "annual swimsuit calendar was spiked." Meanwhile, Saints Exec VP & GM and Pelicans President of Basketball Operations Mickey Loomis said that Benson was "deeply involved in shaping the organization’s response" to pressure from Pelicans F Anthony Davis’ agent, the Lakers and some national media members to "ship the superstar to Tinseltown last month" (New Orelans ADVOCATE, 3/16).
